Todd Bridges, the last surviving main cast member of Diff’rent Strokes, has shared a heartfelt tribute to his former costar Melanie Watson, following news of her death. Watson, who memorably portrayed Kathy Gordon on the iconic NBC sitcom, died on Friday, December 26, at the age of 57. Bridges acknowledged Watson’s passing on Sunday by sharing a post about her death on his Instagram page. Though brief, the gesture resonated with longtime fans of the series, many of whom remember Watson’s appearances as among the show’s most emotionally resonant episodes.
Melanie Watson’s death confirmed by family
Watson’s brother, Robert Watson, confirmed her death, stating that she had been hospitalized and that her condition deteriorated in the days leading up to her passing. She died in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that causes bones to be thin and brittle, Watson used a wheelchair throughout her life. Her condition informed both her advocacy work and her most notable acting role.
A memorable role on Diff’rent Strokes
Watson appeared in four episodes of Diff’rent Strokes as Kathy Gordon, beginning in the show’s third season. Her performances stood out in episodes such as “Kathy” (1982) and “Kathy’s Olympics” (1984), which addressed disability, resilience, and acceptance at a time when such themes were rarely depicted on primetime television.
Her character formed a close bond with Arnold Jackson, played by Gary Coleman, helping him confront the reality that he would never grow taller than five feet. The storyline was widely praised for its sensitivity and honesty, reflecting the show’s willingness to tackle serious topics beneath its comedic surface.
Life beyond acting
Following her time on Diff’rent Strokes, Watson stepped away from acting. She later co-founded the nonprofit Train Rite, which focuses on training shelter dogs to become service animals. She also served as CEO of Couiffie’s Ranch, an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities live more independently. In a 2020 interview, Watson reflected on her time working with legendary television producer Norman Lear. She expressed pride in being part of a show that challenged norms but also shared regret about leaving acting behind.
“I didn’t realize what a gift it was to be the first one out there,” she said at the time, noting that she might have stayed in the industry if given the chance to do it again.
Remembering a beloved cast
Bridges is now the only surviving lead actor from Diff’rent Strokes. Dana Plato, who played Kimberly Drummond, died in 1999, while Coleman passed away in 2010 following a fall at his home. For fans, Watson’s death marks another poignant loss connected to a show that defined an era of television. Her legacy lives on through her performances, her advocacy, and the quiet impact she made on audiences who saw themselves reflected on screen.
